If you’re looking for how Pinterest Ads can become your business’s new cash cow, you’ve come to the right place. More than just a social network, Pinterest functions like a visual search engine: users type in keywords, collect ideas, and… pull out their credit cards when an ad perfectly aligns with their inspiration.
Figures that should pique your curiosity
- 80% of weekly users discovered a new brand or product on Pinterest.
- 97% of searches don’t include any brand name: yours can shine without already being famous.
Ready to master Pinterest Ads? Let’s dive into actionable marketing tips from Donutz Digital!
Pinterest, the Visual Search Engine that Drives Purchases
First and foremost, let’s remember: Pinterest is not a news feed where you “scroll to scroll.” It’s an inspiration catalog where every query reflects an intent to purchase or plan. Redoing your kitchen, planning a wedding, finding the next “comfy chic” look… The result: the audience is already in problem-solving mode, not just seeking entertainment.
Key Points
- Shortened buying cycle: from idea to action on the same platform.
- Content longevity: a Pin can continue to generate traffic for months, even years.
- International reach: over 500 million monthly active users.
Pro-tip: Think of your Pinterest Ads campaigns as visual SEO. Focus on the right keywords, engaging content, and a striking image.
Setting the Stage: Business Account Pinterest Tag
Before you even create your first ads, make sure your foundations are solid:
- Switch to a business account to access the campaign manager and analytics.
- Install the Pinterest Tag on your site. It allows you to track conversions, retarget your users, and create custom audiences.
- Set up your product catalog to facilitate the creation of Shopping Pins.
Donutz Tip: Test the Tag’s proper functioning with the Pinterest Tag Helper extension.
Creating the Perfect Ad: Visual, Message SEO
1. A Visual that Stops the Scroll
- Vertical format: it’s the star of the feed.
- Contrast and vibrant colors: to stand out in the Pin stream.
- Product in context: triggers emotion and audience engagement.
2. Text, but not a Novel
Opt for a clear hook with a call to action. Think direct marketing: “Shop now”, “Discover the recipe”…
3. Description = SEO + Storytelling
Pinterest Ads works on keyword search. Integrate your strategic phrases into the description to optimize your visibility. Example: “Gain 30% more storage space with our clever organizer.”
4. The Right CTA
Use the platform’s native buttons (“Shop”, “Learn more”) to encourage action, consistent with your campaign.
Pinterest Ads Formats at your Service
| Format | Ideal for | Why we love it |
|---|---|---|
| Promoted Pin | Simple promotions | Easy to set up |
| Video Pin | Demonstrations | Dynamic format boosts engagement |
| Carousel | Product collections | Ideal for showcasing multiple products |
| Collection | E-commerce | Mixes visual content and clickable products |
| Idea Ads | Tutorials lifestyle | Perfect for captivating your audience with a series of Pins |
Donutz Hack: Start by sponsoring your best organic Pins. If they’re already performing, paid will multiply their traffic.
Targeting Budget: Every Euro Counts
- Interests: decor, wellness, fashion… Pinterest knows its users’ tastes well.
- Keywords: bid like on Google to appear in the right searches.
- Custom audiences: based on your visitors or CRM database.
- Act-alike audiences: to reach an audience similar to your customers.
Choosing your Bid
- CPM: brand visibility.
- CPC: drive traffic to your site.
- CPA: ideal once your Pinterest Tag is sufficiently populated.
Budget tip: Start with €20-50/day. Pinterest needs data to optimize your campaigns effectively.
A/B Testing: Test Everything, all the Time
- Visuals: lifestyle ambiance vs. raw product.
- Texts: product benefit vs. emotional.
- Formats: single image, carousel, video, Idea Pin…
Follow KPIs in Pinterest Analytics and optimize relentlessly. This is the key to a sustainable strategy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
| Mistake | Consequence | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Generic visual | Guaranteed skipping | Invest in good visual content |
| Misaligned landing page | High bounce rate | Consistency Pin / product |
| Keyword-stuffed text | Feels like spam | Write for humans, not algorithms |
| No regular testing | Uncertain profitability | Monthly optimization essential |
For more information, we invite you to consult the advertiser help path on Pinterest.
Conclusion: Pinterest Ads, a Winning Strategy
Pinterest Ads are a powerful marketing lever to generate traffic, capture attention, and sell your products to an engaged audience. Whether you’re a startup or a large company, the platform offers still largely untapped opportunities.
Remember: every Pin is a conversion opportunity. Invest in your content, track your performance, and refine your campaigns. And if you want to go further, contact Donutz Digital to boost your Pinterest strategy.
Pinterest Ads FAQ
How much Does Advertising on Pinterest Cost?
The average CPM varies between €2 and €5, but the true cost depends on your audience, keyword competition, and bids. Test it: a starting budget of €20 per day is enough to get actionable data.
Which Pinterest Ads Format Converts Best?
No single answer: videos often perform better for discovery, while carousels boost average order value because they show multiple products. Always test at least two formats.
Can You Target an Audience Similar to your Customers?
Yes! Thanks to act-alike audiences, Pinterest finds users who share the behaviors of your current customers. Ideal for scaling without losing relevance.
Should I Prioritize CPC or CPA?
Start with CPC to accumulate clicks and provide data to the Pinterest Tag. Once 50 conversions are reached, switch to CPA so the algorithm can directly optimize for the final action.
What’s the Difference between a Promoted Pin and an “Idea” Pin?
A Promoted Pin is a single image (or video) that appears in the regular feed. An “Idea” Pin is a multi-page format, similar to a story, perfect for tutorials or mini-lifestyle series.
